Why I Walk ? For My Father, My Hero

This year, I?m proud to serve as a Coach for the 2025 USF Heart Walk, leading a team in honor of someone very dear to me ? my father, a two-term Vietnam veteran and soon-to-be 91-year-old heart survivor.

Years ago, my father began showing signs of heart disease ? shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest discomfort. But like many of his generation, he brushed it off. We believed it was just ?a broken heart? after the unexpected loss of his sister.

Something inside me, though, told me not to ignore the signs. I pushed for more tests ? and that decision changed everything. After a failed stress test, we learned the truth: he was in the midst of a silent battle with heart disease. Not long after, he suffered a heart attack that led to an emergency five-bypass surgery.

Thanks to incredible doctors, fast action, and a bit of divine timing, my father is still here today ? stronger, smiling, and teaching me daily about resilience and love.

We walk because awareness saves lives. Because sometimes, what seems like heartbreak is really your heart asking for help. And because there are countless families out there who might be one conversation, one test, or one moment of courage away from a miracle like ours.

So this year, I walk for my dad ? for every father, mother, sister, and friend whose heart deserves more tomorrows.

I invite you to walk beside me ? for my dad, for your loved ones, and for every heart that deserves more tomorrows.
If you can?t join the walk, please consider donating to my or our team. Every step and every dollar brings us closer to a world free of heart disease and stroke.

Together, we can make every heartbeat count.